Well, I waited and waited, then found what I thought was a grail gun. Only, it wasn't a grail gun as such, but it was close. That stoked my fire just enough to commit a cardinal sin against my dearly loved, and well used model 58.
As some of you know and have seen the photos, last year I bought a 58 with a cut-down shrouded barrel that the seller claimed was a 41 Mag. The pictures screamed Behlert, but I haven't lettered it yet, and a letter may not reveal the gunsmith anyhow. I was sad when I discovered that it was terribly inaccurate due to the fact that it was a 44 magnum, and not a 41.
No worries though....I quickly came to the conclusion that it was loads more fun (and more accurate) with 44 Special loads.
But, I still have been lusting after a 41 Jovino or Behlert, and not unlike many folks here, I have dreamed that Doc44 would one day sell, trade, or give me
(hey, I could get lucky one day 
) his 29-58.
Enough time had passed, and a 4" model 57 barrel found it's way into my parts bin, and with some help from a forum friend and all-around fine gentlemen David Kieth, I now have a 3.25" 41 Magnum barrel. To top it off, Doc44 was kind enough to send me a CD of hi-res photos of his 29-58 so that I could forge a copy in 41 Mag.
With the barrel cut, crown, and front sight handled, I packaged up my blued 58 and sent it to Ford's down in Florida for the remaining treatment, including their high polish blue that pretty closely matches Smith & Wesson's work of a bygone era. In a few months, I hope to see a dream realized.
Here is the base for the project - A first year model 58 with numbers matching stocks.
Here she is in the 'most often carried' configuration. This 58 rode around the ranch with to deal with feral hogs, porcupines, and poachers. I know a lot of folks don't like the factory combat grips, but they fit my hands just right.
And here is the barrel stash- The top blued barrel has been chopped, the center barrel went to a nefarious gun and leather crafter for one of his projects, and the 6" nickel 44 mag barrel is still waiting for a purpose.
In about 4-5 months, I hope to have in my hands a real dream. Many thanks to all the enablers and friends that helped me along the way.
And don't worry - I am absolutely NOT going to harm a single hair on the 1st year nickel 58 that is a brother to the blued 58. It shall remain intact throughout my possession.
Thanks again guys, and keep those 58's coming!